Hospitalization
You may encounter the following procedures and equipment
during your stay in a hospital:
- Taking Vital Signs:
These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse
(counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your
breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart
and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff
around your arm.
- IV:
A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or
liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to it.
- ECG:
Also called a heart monitor, an electrocardiograph
(e-lec-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. The patches on your
chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or a small portable
box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a tracing of each
heartbeat. Your heart will be watched for signs of injury
or damage resulting from your illness.
- Blood:
Usually taken from a vein in your hand or from the
bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on your blood.
- Medicines:
You may get medicines by shot, in your IV, or in
your rectum as a suppository.
- Monitoring the Baby's Heartbeat:
If it is late in your pregnancy, you will have a
loose-fitting belt strapped around your abdomen. The belt
secures a patch which is attached to a machine with a TV-type
screen. This screen shows a tracing of your baby's heartbeat.
Your baby's heartbeat may be monitored all the time during
the early part of your hospital stay. As you improve, a
tracing may be taken several times a day.
- Urine Tests:
You will be asked to urinate in a container. Hospital
personnel will measure and test your urine to make sure
you are getting enough liquids. Do not throw away your urine
unless your nurses have given the okay.
- Other Tests:
You may have tests of your liver, kidney, pancreas,
and bowels to find reasons for the vomiting.
- Weight:
You will be weighed daily to see if there have been
any changes.
- Food:
Until your vomiting stops, you will not be given
any meals. Instead, you will receive food and vitamins through
your IV. You can slowly begin to drink and eat small amounts
of food when your vomiting has stopped.
- Emotions:
Try to relax and avoid stress. Talking to your doctor or
someone close to you may be helpful.
Updated on:
Aug. 09, 2006 |
